Want to check out the Fort

[Ds4angels]

We will be down the end of January and hubby wants to check out the Fort (with the thought that if he likes it we'll take the camper next visit instead of doing a hotel).
So my question is, can we drive through the fort to check out which sites we might like? I know parking is very limited once in the Fort, so we plan on parking in overflow if we want to stop and walk around.

 

[Barney Fife]

You can walk around the Fort just like any other person. Lots of guests at other resorts come to the Fort to do activities such as Hoop-de-Doo Revue and the campfire stuff. The Fort has their own busses which just travel throughout the Fort. Its a big place so maybe park in the overflow lot and then take bus to the far end and work your way back.

 

[Ds4angels]

I guess my real question is can we drive through the loops or must we park and take the bus? Trying to plan things out and obviously it's quicker to take a slow tour in the truck then by foot.

 

[tobikaye]

Only guests staying at FW can drive around FW. Even then, they can only park at their campsite/cabin. Other than that there are a couple of 15 minute parking spots for guests picking up items at Meadows.

As the prior poster indicated, you can walk or use the internal buses. You can also rent a golf cart for about $65-70. You could also rent bicycles from Meadows.

 

[bama_ed]

Ds4angels,

We get these kinds of requests over here re: FW from off-resort folks who, for example, want to drive through the campground to "see" the Christmas or Halloween decorations.

Folks (even Fort resort guests) who try to drive down through loops to "just look" end up stopping to spend more than the 2 seconds per site at rolling speed and create a traffic problem. There are folks walking or biking through the loops and a stopped vehicle creates a bottleneck for other guests behind you and golf carts, etc. The Fort is so big and you will see things that you will want to stop and linger over a little longer. Someone else doing the same thing as you will stop at some point and you'll be stuck. They could get out of their vehicle to chat with folks on that loop (and campers are very social folks). Serious question - How many minutes are you willing to wait without being able to turn around?

The point is you don't have to see every loop to get a sense of the Fort. So park the truck, grab a bus, and make 1 or 2 stops to tour on foot.

A slow tour in a truck is not being considerate to the Fort residents.

Why do you resist following the Fort rules? Our posters Barney Fife properly explained things to you and tobikaye backed him up.

Bama Ed

 

[Ds4angels]

Wow sorry I offended you. I was just asking so I didn't cause a problem at the fort. We have done this at other large campgrounds and not had a problem.
I didn't mean traffic hazard slow, I meant not flying around the campground at a dangerous speed.

 

[bama_ed]

Wow sorry I offended you.

Nah, no offense was even taken - happy to clear up your confusion. We're pretty laid back on the Camping Board and we can read what your posts actually say. The folks told you what to do to not cause a problem. I'm glad you understand now.

Your original post asked about scouting "sites you might like" and the Fort is like any resort: you can't hold out for a specific site no more than you can hold out for a specific room in a hotel. There might be somebody already in/on it. Or it might already be assigned to a different incoming guest like yourself. I'm sure you (again) understand.

There's no concern about speed since you were informed more than once that driving through the Fort is not allowed. As my DW's DH, I know that like most guys driving through a campground, I'm gonna see a rig/truck/setup I want to stop and take a longer look at. Heck, I might even want to talk to the site folks if they're outside (as I said campers are very social). I like rubbernecking down I75 in Florida due to all the trailers, rv's, and trucks going in both directions. I'll bet your DH is the same way.

You're certainly welcome to pull your camper to the Fort. New guests are always welcome!

Bama Ed

 

[KristinU]

Do what we did when we wanted to check out the Fort for the first time: rent bikes at the Bike Barn and enjoy an hour or two pedaling around, maybe over to Wilderness Lodge to pick up a treat. That will give you a better sense of the pace and feel of the Fort!